In the spirit of this innovation, the latest NCL liners experiment with a range of experiences and amenities ranging from onboard luxury villas, through to interconnecting cabins and an internet based booking system along with an electronic restaurant reservation system.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the NCL approach is its laid-back disembarkation process, which is as relaxed and comfortable as that offered by the top-of-the-line luxury cruises, which offers passengers one of their happiest memories at the very end of their cruise experience.
- Brand history – a complex history with Norwegian, Malaysian and US owners in the mix has led to a cosmopolitan and family-friendly style of cruising
- Signatures of the line – the first to create a freestyle dining option
- Number of ships – 11 (and two on order)
- Best for (kids, entertainment etc) – embarkation and disembarkation: the most laid back and easy-to-enjoy boarding system in the cruise industry
- Special dining features – the first to create a ‘dine when you like’ option, NCL is still a leader in casual dining at sea
- Special suite features – On the newer ships the Garden Villas are huge family spaces with three bedrooms, sunbathing areas, private steam room and family-sized hot tub
- Special kid features – the casual focus of the line follows through into children's programmes and lots of events, teen spaces, kiddy discos and children’s pools to allow adults some quality quiet time
- Entertainment features – think loud and fun, this is X-factor rather than string quartet territory
- Spa and fitness features – oddly, while the gyms are grand, the spas on NCL ships seem to be a slightly neglected area: they are perfectly serviceable but not stunning
- Routes – NCL covers most territory, excluding the world voyage, and is particularly good on short (three to five day) options